Alcohol Off Menu for China’s Military

China's military commission has initiated strict changes for high-ranking military officers in an effort to curb a stream of corruption scandals.

Reports in state media Friday said the Central Military Commission's new rules ban senior officers from holding receptions featuring alcohol and staying in luxury hotels when on work trips.

According to the new commission rules, receptions will also no longer feature welcome banners, red carpets, flowers, honor guards, performances or souvenirs.

The regulations say speakers at meetings should avoid “empty talk,” while the use of vehicles with sirens will be “rigorously controlled” during official visits.

The military commission is chaired by new Communist Party chief Xi Jinping, who took over the party and the commission earlier this month. He has pledged to fight corruption and is slated to become China's president in March.

The new regulations also extend to commission officials. Reports say military commission officials are required to “discipline their spouses, children and subordinates and make sure they do not take bribes.”